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Bears Defender Already on Dennis Allen's Radar as He Takes Over

New Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen met with reporters on Thursday and had nothing but good things to say about Chicago's secondary.

By Jovan Alford

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen reacts to a play call against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen reacts to a play call against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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The Chicago Bears are ushering in a new era of football with Ben Johnson becoming the new head coach in the Windy City. Johnson has started to fill out his coaching staff, hiring former Denver Broncos tight end coach Declan Doyle as the offensive coordinator and former New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen as the defensive coordinator.

Allen had a rough tenure as the Saints head coach but has thrived as defensive coordinator, which should thrill Bears fans. The former Saints coach is entering a situation, where he has the pieces on defense to get this unit back on track.

On Thursday, the new Bears defensive coordinator met with the media and revealed one player he already has his eye on, and it's not Jaylon Johnson or Montez Sweat.

Dennis Allen Excited About Bears Cornerback Kyler Gordon

According to CHGO Bears, Allen said Kyler Gordon is “an outstanding nickel cornerback,” when speaking about Chicago’s secondary. He also highlighted the length and versatility of the secondary.

The former second-round pick had a solid 2024 season after only starting in seven games (13 games played) in 2023. Gordon posted 75 combined tackles, five pass deflections, four tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, and two quarterback hits.

The young cornerback also started 13 games (15 games played) – the most starts since his rookie season (14). Gordon shockingly didn’t have any interceptions this season, but that didn’t hinder him in pass coverage.

Gordon possessed a 73.2 completion percentage allowed on targets (career-best) but had a career-worst 107.1 pass rating allowed when targeted. However, when you look at his grades on PFF, it tells a different story.

The 25-year-old defensive back had a 76 overall grade (ranked 20th among 223 qualified CBs), a 76.0 coverage grade (ranked 19th), and a 76.5 run-defense grade (ranked 32nd).

Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, and Tyrique Stevenson are not a bad starting cornerback group that can compete in the NFC North. And not to mention, the Bears have Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker at safety. 

That said, if Chicago’s defensive line can get pressure next season, it will help Gordon and the rest of the Bears’ secondary. Do not be surprised if the former second-round pick has a big year under Allen.

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